Horticulturist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Access to vineyard equipment

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a skilled Horticulturist with a Viticulture focus to manage vineyards and optimize grape quality. The role covers planting, pruning, pest control, and harvest, with a focus on premium grape production.

The candidate will lead vineyard operations, supervise seasonal staff, and work with winemakers to ensure high-quality grapes for wine production or other uses in the local climate and soil conditions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science or related field.
• Proven experience in vineyard management and grape cultivation.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, diseases and pest management.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their growing requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems and soil management techniques.
• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of vineyards, including vine pruning, training, and canopy management.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect grapevines.
• Monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and overall vine health, adjusting management practices accordingly.
• Plan and manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines.
• Supervise seasonal vineyard staff, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to high standards.
• Coordinate grape harvesting activities to ensure optimal ripeness and quality, working closely with winemakers or processors.

Skills

Grape cultivation

Vineyard management

Leadership

Pest management

Irrigation management

Education

Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a skilled Horticulturist with a specialization in Viticulture to join their team in Centurion . This role is vital for managing vineyards, optimizing grape quality, and ensuring the health of the vines. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from planting and pruning to pest control and harvesting, with a focus on producing high-quality grapes for wine production or other uses. The ideal candidate will have a passion for plant science, a keen eye for detail, and a strong understanding of vineyard management techniques suited to the local climate and soil conditions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of premium grape production and develop innovative approaches in the field of horticulture.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of vineyards, including vine pruning , training, and canopy management.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect grapevines.
• Monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and overall vine health, adjusting management practices accordingly.
• Plan and manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines.
• Supervise seasonal vineyard staff, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to high standards.
• Coordinate grape harvesting activities to ensure optimal ripeness and quality, working closely with winemakers or processors.

Requirements

• Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in vineyard management and grape cultivation.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, diseases, and pest management.
• Familiarity with different grape varietals and their specific growing requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems and soil management techniques.
• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses based on vineyard performance.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in viticulture.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and technology.
• A stimulating work environment within a growing agricultural sector.
• Paid time off and holidays.